All Systems Go For Legal Executive Family Law Advocates

27 May 2008 pr017.08

The first Legal Executive lawyers to complete the new Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) Family Law Advocacy training scheme have qualified and are now preparing to represent their clients in open court using their newly acquired advocacy skills.

The six Fellows completed their training under the revised ILEX Advocacy Qualification Scheme, following an agreement announced in October of last year with Cardiff based altior Consulting & Training, who became the first organisation accredited by ILEX to deliver training courses and assessments to its members.

As Legal Executive Advocates in Family Law, the six will be able to offer a seamless service to clients taking their case from initial instruction through to Family Proceedings Courts and in open County Courts. This may also include dealing with committal proceedings where a party could be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, something ILEX Fellows have been unable to do in the past.

Advocacy Certificates can be awarded in the following three areas:

• Criminal proceedings
• Family proceedings
• Civil proceedings

“My heartiest congratulations to each and every one of the six, who are the very first Legal Executive Advocates to complete this demanding and intensive Family Advocacy Proceedings course,” said ILEX President, Lesley Graham.

“I am delighted that they are now able to apply their skills in court on behalf of their clients. I am sure they will be the first of many. “

“Rights of Audience are something which ILEX has campaigned long and hard for. The expertise and knowledge of Legal Executives has long been recognised and Rights of Audience is the first of many forthcoming important changes within the legal profession that affect ILEX members and will enable them to broaden their areas of practice and status.”

Mark Loosemore, Chief Executive of altior commented, “We are very pleased for the delegates and congratulate them on their results. Their success demonstrates not only their dedication and hard work but also that of the trainers. We hope this success continues across all areas of the course!”

Over 400 ILEX Fellows have already expressed an interest in obtaining rights of audience and the training to become Advocates. Before enrolling on the six-day course a course, candidates have to apply to ILEX for a Certificate of Eligibility which requires them to show that they have the necessary level of legal knowledge and experience.

Legal Executive Advocates will be required to renew their Certificate within one year of issue and then every three years. At the first renewal they must produce portfolios of the advocacy experience they have gained. Legal Executive Advocates must also complete five hours CPD each year on advocacy skills.

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